Saturday, March 12, 2005
GROWING INDOORS
Getting started
Now is a good time to start flower and vegetable seeds indoors. Here are some tips from Lisa Ziegler:
For uniform germination with a seed-starting method, use bottom heat.
Once 50 percent of the seeds are germinated, move the tray to a light source for 16 hours a day.
Light should be only a few inches above seedlings as they grow.
Do not allow your potting mix to dry out, but don't allow the seedlings to sit in water. Keep your soil moist by pouring a small amount of water into the tray, not directly onto the soil.
After a few days of germination, feed your seedlings a half-strength liquid fertilizer according to directions on the label.
Soil blockers and other seed-starting supplies can be obtained from Lisa Ziegler at www.thegardenersworkshop.com or (757) 877-7159; Peacefully Valley Farm Supply at www.groworganic.com or (888) 784-1722; and Johnny's Selected Seeds at www.johnnyseeds.com or (800) 879-2258.